* How he's doing: He's throwing darts at the NBA competition committee, which issued new rules to replace the Knicks' Australian Rules. Riley now wants to run, only this time, he doesn't have Magic Johnson.

* Hello: G/F Doug Christie, G Charlie Ward, F Monty Williams.

* Goodbye: G Rolando Blackman.

* Question marks: Can Charles Oakley and Anthony Mason use their feet, and only their feet, to play defense? Can Derek Harper refrain from hand-checking? Can Patrick Ewing's knees hold up after grinding through the longest season in NBA history?

* Exclamation points: While remaining in the midst of a title chase, the Knicks are quietly laying the foundation for their future rebuilding project. Ward, who was stunning during the summer rookie leagues, can soak up wisdom from Harper and Doc Rivers. Williams is a bona fide scorer. And Christie, who is due back from ankle rehabilitation in December, is a three-position guy who can flat-out play when he happens to like the coach.

* Here's the deal: By the end of this season, Ewing will be 32, Harper will be 33, Oakley will be 31 and Starks will be pushing 30. What we have here is the last best chance.

Probable starters

Derek Harper, PG 9.6 ppg * 1.7 rpg * 4.1 apg

John Starks, SG 19.0 ppg * 3.1 rpg * 5.9 apg

Charles Smith, SF 10.4 ppg * 3.8 rpg * 1.2 apg

Charles Oakley, PF 11.8 ppg * 11.8 rpg * 2.7 apg

Patrick Ewing, C 24.5 ppg * 11.2 rpg * 2.3 apg

Others

Anthony Mason, F 7.2 ppg * 5.8 rpg * 2.1 apg

Hubert Davis, G 11.0 ppg * 1.2 rpg * 2.9 apg

Doc Rivers, G 7.5 ppg * 2.1 rpg * 5.3 apg

Monty Williams, F Rookie

2. Indiana Pacers

* Coach: Larry Brown

* How he's doing: He has signed a five-year contract extension. Think he'll stay?

* Question marks: Is Brown finally happy with his venue? Can Derrick McKey provide enough scoring at small forward? Does he want to? Can anyone put the ball on the floor and score (other than when McKey feels like it)?

* Exclamation points: The acquisition of Jackson is a boon. His training camp reviews have been outstanding. Brown just started to max this team out during the playoffs. Look for nothing less this season.

* Here's the deal: The Pacers are a lovely blend of strength (Dale and Antonio Davis), low-post scoring (Rik Smits) and perimeter prowess (Reggie Miller). If they can defend nightly and steer clear of injuries, not even the Hornets can stop them in the Central.

Probable starters

Mark Jackson, PG 10.9 ppg * 4.4 rpg * 8.6 apg

Reggie Miller, SG 19.9 ppg * 2.7 rpg * 3.1 apg

Derrick McKey, SF 12.0 ppg * 5.3 rpg * 4.3 apg

Dale Davis, PF 11.7 ppg * 10.9 rpg * 1.5 apg

Rik Smits, C 15.7 ppg * 6.2 rpg * 2.0 apg

Others

Antonio Davis, F 7.7 ppg * 6.2 rpg * 0.7 apg

Byron Scott, G 10.4 ppg * 1.6 rpg * 2.0 apg

Duane Ferrell, F 7.2 ppg * 1.8 rpg * 0.9 apg

Vern Fleming, G 6.5 ppg * 2.2 rpg * 3.1 apg

3. Orlando Magic

* Coach: Brian Hill

* How he's doing: If he's not consulting with a psychologist, he should be.

* Hello: F Horace Grant, G Brian Shaw, G Brooks Thompson.

* Goodbye: G Scott Skiles.

* Question marks: With Skiles gone, who is going to tell Shaquille O'Neal that it might be good to make it to practice on time, so as maybe to shoot a couple of extra free throws? And who is going to cuff Nick Anderson and Dennis Scott in the head when it's required? One last question: Depth?

* Exclamation points: The starting five will make a total of $20 million -- this season. . . . On paper, Grant is the missing element to a near-perfect team, and here's why: The Magic have needed another rebounder -- especially a defensive rebounder -- since Shaq's arrival. Last season, they were in the middle of the pack in rebounds and among the 10 worst defensive rebounding teams.

* Here's the deal: After being swept by Indiana in the first round of the playoffs, the Magic will storm through the regular season. Then, once again, we'll find out what they've got inside when it counts. It will be the playoffs when, perhaps, Anfernee Hardaway will earn his money (if that's possible).